“You want labels people recognize,” explains Jeffrey Birkemeier of Amapola Kitchen & Wine Merchant in Salinas. “But some wine lists are ego-driven. It’s a balancing act.” There is value, he adds, in revealing for friends a bottle from Pisoni, Roar or other deserving wines from less-traveled regions. Many of these are equal to the more revered labels, although for visitors to a region the standouts may not be readily apparent. Sommeliers say that for less familiar wine regions such as Monterey County, it is important to learn and look for key words. Escolle Vineyard is a Caraccioli property. But I. Brand & Family selects its grapes for still wines. “Ian Brand’s Escolle Chardonnay will match up with anybody,” Sidener observes. “It’s Old-World style.” Soberanes, Gary’s, Rosella’s, Pisoni— these are vineyards associated with Pisoni and Roar. Chalone is the oldest recognized AVA in Monterey County and wines from the vineyards are highly regarded. “For Cabernet, the most famous vineyard is Marinus from Bernardus,” Sidener notes. Unfortunately, the winery put the plot up for sale in 2025. But the vintage currently on the shelves is from 2018. So, he adds, “There are a few vintages to go through.” Then there are boutique growers, such as Griva Vineyard, selling grapes that attract makers of fine wines. DANIEL DREIFUSS Dave Sidener, cellar master at the celebrated destination Sardine Factory, with part of the restaurant’s selection. Sidener stocks several local vintages. 20 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® HAVEN 2025-2026 Be the first to know when tickets launch - join our newsletter at bigs BIG SUR FOOD & WINE FEST THURSDAY-SATURDAY | NOVEMBER 6-8, 20 SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023 • 4–7PM CARMEL, CALIFORNIA TICKETS $75 • THEBARNYARD.COM/EVENTS www.bigsurfoodandwine.org M/barnyardshoppingvillage Benefitting The Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation, a non-profit Charitable Trust SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023 • 4–7PM CARMEL, CALIFORNIA TICKETS $75 • THEBARNYARD.COM/EVENTS Benefitting The Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation, a non-profit Charitable Trust SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023 • 4–7PM CARMEL, CALIFORNIA TICKETS $75 • THEBARNYARD.COM/EVENTS tting The Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation, a non-profit Charitable Trust ~ Save The Date ~ Big Sur Food & Wine Festival November 6–November 8, 2025 www.bigsurfoodandwine.org For tickets please visit: thebarnyard.com/events SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025 4–7pm Big Sur Food & Wine Presents The 27th Annual FERRARI EVENT at The Barnyard
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